Lawanda Cummings

Dr. Lawanda Cummings received a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from Georgia State University in 2010. She also earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Community Psychology at GSU, her beloved alma mater. Her research focuses on youth psychosocial development, education interventions, and STEM field inclusion of African American women. Dr. Cummings is also interested in the role of culture in mentoring initiatives among at-risk adolescents within schools and youth detention facilities. Currently she is an Assistant Professor and the chair of the Social Sciences Department. Working with the Math, Science and Technology (MST) department, Dr. Cummings works as a Co-PI for the DOE WET-SEED Pipeline Program that facilitates a summer middle-school day camp and a residential high-school program focused on Environmental Science. Also, as a part of a multidisciplinary team (Social Sciences and Education), Dr. Cummings was recently awarded a 3-year NSF grant to investigate STEM field inclusion of African American women at Paine College.

William Lawless

William Lawless is Professor of Mathematics and Psychology. Dr. Lawless has published over fifty book chapters and journal articles. He also is featured in more than 120 peer-reviewed conference publications. Dr. Lawless is a Professional Engineer (Mechanical & Nuclear Waste Management Engineer), senior member IEEE, and member of the European Trustnet Hazardous Decisions (2002-current). His past affiliations include DOE Mixed Wastes Tribal and Stakeholders (1995-6); DOE Nuclear Waste Management Whistleblower, 1983 (Lawless, 1985); Savannah River Site Citizens Advisory Board (1994-2000 and 2003-2007), SAB Co-Technical Lead Consolidated Incinerator Focus Group (2000-03); and SRS CAB Technical Advisory, 2009.

Thomas Lehman

Dr. Thomas Lehman received his PhD. from Florida State University, in August of 2008. His PhD. dissertation concerned school and school district interpretation of Social-Studies policy within the framework of state-standardized test preparations. Dr. Lehman earned his BA and MA in Sociology from Western Illinois University, in Macomb, Illinois.

Purna Mohanty

Purna Mohanty received a Ph.D. and a post-doctoral certificate in Gerontology from the University of Georgia. Currently, he is a Professor and Coordinator of the Department of Sociology. He has been a longtime member of various organizations/agencies related to his discipline including the Gerontological Society. He has held offices, served as chair, organizer, and moderator of professional societies. He has presented papers and conducted workshops. He also serves on several advisory boards and task forces of various agencies including Georgia Governor’s Advisory Board and the American Sociological Association Teaching and Learning committee. He has been active in connecting sociology to community life and mentoring several young students in pursuing graduate studies.

Adeleri Onisegun

Dr. Onisegun is a Clinical Psychologist with a long history in mental health beginning with training and experiences as a US Navy Hospital Corps/ Neuropsychiatric Technician. Her clinical experience includes appointments in child /adolescent psychiatry, community psychiatry and as Director/Neuro-Psychologist of the first Alzheimer’s Disease Research clinic focused on the Black community funded by Columbia University at Harlem Hospital in New York. Relocation to the South stimulated interest in mental health disparities, stigma, Black youth suicide, and prevention which later led her to be one of 12 U.S. psychologists selected to travel to The People’s Republic of China as a People to People Ambassador delegate. In 2005 she was awarded a W.K. Kellogg USC Public Health Partnership to Eliminate Health Disparities Research Fellowship for: “Adult Perceptions of Black Youth Psychopathology, Depression and Suicide: Implications for Juvenile Justice and Mental Health.” Dr. Onisegun has also conducted program evaluations, public school faculty trainings, and served as a grant reviewer for agencies including the US Department of Education, Reid House and most recently the UNCF-Special Programs CIPA/ NASA awards. Additionally, Dr. Onisegun holds various grant funded positions funded by organizations such as the Morehouse College HBCU Center for Excellence and the W. K. Kellogg as well as being active in the community and in professional organizations.

Philip Thomas

Phillip Thomas is a Professor of Sociology at Paine College since 1976; Bachelor of Science Degree (1967) and Diploma in social services (D.S.S) (1968) from University of Kerala, India. Labor Welfare Officer (liaison Officer between the Management and the Labor) in a Government owned Plywood factory in India (1968-1969); Presented several sociological research papers and social stratification (caste system) and social mobility of India in the annual meetings of professional organizations such as Georgia Sociological Association, Southern Sociological Society and National Social Science Association, 1986- present; Principal Investigator (PI) for a U.S. Department of Education grant at Paine College ($230,000) - the Minority Science Improvement Grant (MSIP) (1988-1991); PhD from Emory University, 1983.

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